Recent content by Junebug

I also have a very reactive sheltie. It was apparent very young. He chases shadows; on walks he is on high alert for traffic, other dogs, people. He's friendly, but it doesn't sound that way when he's barking and lunging at people/dogs. I read the book Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out...

I've had shelties since mid high school, so about 25 years now. I love the breed-- highly trainable, loving, loyal, pretty. They are usually a very portable breed, and are of a size not to be overwhelming to travel with/buy crates for/make room in the car. Having said all of that, my husband...

I've had two chewers-- one gave it up only in her old age. She chewed interesting things-- couldn't resist paper of any kind, other "loose items" were delightful. I had to call poison control once for what she got into. The one I have now is a chewer and an eater. He eats socks, and chews...

You might consider contacting the local sheltie club and asking for recommendations in your new area. I also have had the best luck with both care and reasonableness of prices when I've worked with a vet owned clinic, rather than a "name brand" or conglomerate office. Try them out, but don't be...

I'm sitting here holding a female mini doxie at the moment. She is my in-laws dog; I am dog sitting. She is cute, but very different. She does not like other dogs, and I think she thinks she's a person. She has her owners wrapped around her paw, and isn't liking my way of continuing walks when...

I also have a very reactive sheltie. If he were to get loose around traffic, he would run into it. Do all you can, both training-wise and precautions wise, and do your best. That's all any of us can do.

We currently have a whippet in the house with our sheltie. She is a lovely dog, and I'm glad husband wanted a whippet so I would have the pleasure of having one. She was supposed to be "his" dog, but isn't. She is very different from a sheltie, but heck, I think the sheltie I have is very...

I think it's important to remember that many people live without air conditioning, even in modern, first world nations. Although I wouldn't want to live like that, doing so, even with dogs, isn't neglect.

There is also a "shelties available" facebook group that has quality dogs from breeders all over the country. Just watching that board might be helpful in widening your search.

I remember when this article came out, and I found the book In Defense of Dogs because of it. There may be exceptions, but I agree that most dogs are not seeking dominance over people, and that by assuming that that is what they seek, we (collective we) misunderstand many of their behaviors and...

My advice is to keep high value treats in your pocket at all time, so you can spontaneously treat her any time she approaches you. People who visit your home should be loaded up with treats prior to interacting with her. She will learn that people are full of delicious treats.

I wasn't going to neuter "routinely" either. My previous male had been absolutely perfectly behaved and was intact. I had said "as long as he has no vices, there's no reason to neuter." And then he had vices. Humping, distractibility, marking inside, toying with the idea of dog aggression...

So, I haven't mentioned my spastic one in awhile. I have Lars, who is about 18 months old. He's got issues, but I think we're beginning to turn the corner. He's starting to mellow, and become a least a little less reactive. I was amazed again at how quickly he pattern trains. Over the...

My sister is looking for clippers that would be considered heavy duty. She has a cocker spaniel, and has burnt up more than one pair of clippers. She asked me for advice, and as I've never clipped a dog, I just don't know.

for dogs that are really sensitive to the sound you could also use a ball point pen to make a softer "click" sound.